Kielder Water and Kielder Forest ...

Kielder Reservoir
Turn north from the A69 onto the A6079 to Chollerford.
Follow the B6320 to Bellingham, and the C200 to Kielder.

Kielder Water is an important tourist centre for Northumbria. Tucked away at the head of the North Tyne Valley, close to the Scottish Border, it occupies a remote but beautiful landscape. Since it was built in 1981 it has become a centre for leisure activity for many years. Surrounded as it is by Kielder Forest, Britain's largest forest, there are a wide range of opportunities to suit the interests of any visitor.

You can explore the shoreline and forest glades on foot, cycle, or horseback, and there are many clearly marked trails of various lengths and degrees of difficulty. You can explore them on your own, or guided exploration is provided by both the Forest Enterprise and the Northumberland National Park in their 'What's on' programmes of events and activities. There is a Tourist Information Centre by the shores of the lake.

As one of the largest lakes in Northern Europe, Kielder Water offers a wide range of water based activities. These include water-skiing, windsurfing, boating, and angling. The cruiser 'Osprey' cruises up and down the lake four times a day for an ideal excursion for those not wanting to get their feet wet.

The three main centres to visit are :-

Leaplish Waterside Park.
This is the hub around which most of the activity revolves. As well as a lakeside restaurant, it offers an indoor swimming pool, sculptures, cycle hire, crazy golf, a children's play area and the water sports hire centre. The 'Osprey' calls in if you want a lift over to the more tranquil north shore.

Tower Knowe Visitor Centre.
This houses a shop and an exhibition. You can find out more about the history of the area, and the building of the reservoir.

Kielder Castle.
A former hunting lodge for the Duke of Northumberland, this is now the Forest Visitor Centre. The Longpack Craft Shop and Dukes Pantry restaurant are situated off the courtyard. The Castle also information on forestry in the area and a 'Birds of Kielder' exhibition. The Castle grounds include a children's play area and are the starting point for many forest walks and cycle trails. Kielder Bikes operate one of their outlets nearby. The Castle is also the starting point for the twelve mile forest drive which links Kielder with the A68.

Open all year round
Ample free parking
Gift shops
Restaurants
Boat trips
Water sports
Cycle hire
Organised tours
Indoor swimming pool
Regular events (including RAC rally)